D.e.s.t.i.t.u.t.i.o.n

While most individuals' knowledge of the Australian thrash scene fails to extend beyond Mortal Sin or maybe, Hobbs' Angel of Death at best, there were a number of surprising contenders that have been drifting astray in the sands of time, or even worse written off even during their prime. The latter is usually a direct result of the timeline, as most of these bands arrived slightly too late. In Australia's case, there always seems to be a stronger Metallica influence, perhaps a result of being isolated from many of the second-stringer acts that dominated the United States for example. Metallica first toured Australia in 1988 during the Damaged Justice tour, and the scene started to grow substantially after that. Allegiance are part of that cadre of acts and managed to hold on for a decent run during the mid '90s.

So to eschew the need for any more of these history lessons, D.e.s.t.i.t.u.t.i.o.n is very much what one would expect from a thrash record released in '94. The band juggles and employs pretty typical riffing patterns alongside a pinch of then-modern influence in the form of occasional grooves that sound like Burn My Eyes-era Machine Head. Conrad Higson also attempts his best Hetfield impersonation, and he is one of the stronger vocalists I have experienced attempting that pseudo-crooning style with a venomous twist. The record is certainly crushing enough to tide most thrashers over for some time, with armor-piercers of decent quality in both "Destitution" and "Hate Frenzy," which rollick along and draw blood without much trouble. The mix isn't oppressively murky but grants an endearing amount of rawness to the material, which is certainly not lacking of sinewy fortitude in any event.

D.e.s.t.i.t.u.t.i.o.n is a decent collection of songs as well, certainly not a one-trick pony consisting of only face rippers with each one slightly less feral than the last until the record peters out. The biggest standout is without a doubt "Torn Between Two Worlds," which cranks up the atmosphere with acoustic padding and rides out on an undeniably classic sounding lead interval. Allegiance certainly aren't without their faults, as the guitars drop out more than needed during "Chaos Dies," but there are certainly more hits than misses. One of those hits is "Path of Lies," which strikes that magic chord between thrash and death metal; visceral and competent in transitioning between both styles. "Dealt the Cruel Hand" is also worth experiencing, with that gloomy opening riff that stifles the surrounding expanse. Honestly, D.e.s.t.i.t.u.t.i.o.n gets stronger as it goes, with many of the more interesting tracks positioned after the halfway point.

The vocals can certainly get on a bit if you aren't in the mood for that particular style, but those seeking trenchant thrash demolition entwined within an overall package that sounds straight out of the very early '90s (despite the record's later release date), Allegiance very well may have your number here. Solid production and individual performances make this record one worth saving from one of the many bargain bins it surely occupies.